At home with Aussie Paralympian Kurt Fearnley
CHAMPION Paralympian Kurt Fearnley is a three-time gold medallist who lives in Newcastle with his young family. Here he shares some of his favourite things.
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CHAMPION Paralympian Kurt Fearnley is clearly loving life beachside.
The three-time gold medallist who grew up in Carcoar in central west NSW has settled in Newcastle with his young family.
When not hitting the surf with his Mark Richards surfboards, Kurt can be found enjoying some rare downtime in this newly renovated three-bedroom worker’s cottage.
“It was old working class accommodation,” he says. “We knocked down a few walls, re-did the kitchen and the backyard.”
The low key couple have been in Hamilton for about five years, making the transition from apartment to a freestanding home when they bought their dog Alby.
“We were just doing things in our own time until Harry came along,” he says. “If we have another couple of kids we might grown out of it, but for now, we love our community.”
When preparing for a marathon, his schedule is hectic, but for now he’s enjoying being a hands-on dad to baby Harry.
“I’ve learned to balance my time better,” he says. “There are times when I’m on the road for long periods, but I love being at home.
“It’s different to when you were younger and single minded, but being a father is so much more enjoyable.”
He says quiet moments at home are genuinely precious.
“My wife and I have a coffee date every morning. We wake up at 6am and talk before we start running around.”
Kurt has recently co-authored his autobiography, Pushing The Limits, detailing his incredible journey.
More Pushing The Limits by Kurt Fearnley, $39.99, Penguin Books
Pictures Peter Lorimer
Death star
I’ve been a Star Wars nut since I was a kid. This was an anniversary present from Sheridan, she bought the Lego and put it together.
Trophies
They are some of my trophies, including my win from the Peachtree Road Race, which took me ten years to win. It’s a very equitable house, so Sheridan’s third place trophy from a Year Nine eisteddfod is also there. I don’t see any use is displaying huge trophies, we just keep a couple out that mean the most. The rest are just in boxes.
Crystal vase
I won that trophy in Seoul in 2008. I keep it out in the barbecue area. When it was given to me I thought, ‘What am I going to do with this?’. I like the idea of the trophy being functional.
Lampshade
This was a gift from my three-year old niece Layla.
She walked into a store and decided it would be a really good present for me.
New York marathon poster
That was taken after a win in 2009. It was a really tough battle and I won by three inches. I turned around and South African Krige Schabort hugs me and says, “I’m proud it was you”. I didn’t know that picture was taken until I saw it in New York.
Star Wars framed cross-stitch
Harry’s grandmother cross-stitched this when he was still in the belly. It’s the ABC’s in Star Wars theme. He will learn to like it.
Ceramic bull
This was a gift from Sheridan for my 32nd birthday. We were travelling through Malaga in Spain and Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso. I grew up on a farm and dad was a stud cattle breeder, so Sheridan thought it was an appropriate gift. She snuck it back home without me realising.
Lego
This was a gift from friends in London. It’s supposed to be Sheridan and I in Lego form.
It’s on display next to the bull, until Harry is big enough to try and eat it.
Walking stick from Kokoda
The boys grabbed some wood, burnt it and etched it for me. It was a gift on my final day of the trek. The people of Papua New Guinea are incredible. Their kindness and generosity will stay with me forever.
Vintage posters
We bought these about five years ago in France and fell in love with them. We had them restored and framed by Michael Brewster (Studio M, Surry Hills). Turns out that he was a marathoner as well.
Tea towel signed by Paul Kelly
He is the only musician, who to me, sings with feeling and real emotion. Sheridan and I had our first dance to a Paul Kelly song and he gave me this signed tea towel.
Mark Richards surfboard
MR (professional surfer) is the most amazing competitor. He is an extremely talented, graceful human being and is everything good about Newcastle.
Wind trainer
This has been specially made for me to exercise my upper body. It gets my heart racing to about 180 without taking on the road and the elements. I use it maybe three to five time a week.
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